It is indeed strange that chronic hemolytic streptococcus ulcers of the extremities have received so little attention and comment. This is all the more unusual since the lesion itself forms a clearcut entity and since there is a specific treatment for the condition.

There are but 5 of these cases reported in recent literature.1 Nevertheless, 31 such cases were seen in the surgery clinic of the Indianapolis City Hospital during the past two and one-half years. The inference is obvious. Many chronic hemolytic streptococcus ulcers of the extremities have gone undiagnosed. In fact, none were found at the Indianapolis City Hospital until Goodman's1 report in 1938.

DESCRIPTIONSince so many streptococcic ulcerations have recently been described, it is essential that a clearcut picture be given of the condition at hand. It bears no relation in appearance or course to the burrowing ulcers or symbiotic gangrene described by Meleney.